Best Horseback Riding in Ottawa
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7 Best Horseback Riding Centres in Ottawa

Sometimes, it’s great to connect with nature and just explore the outdoors without mechanical or automotive transport. 

So if you’re feeling outdoorsy today, we suggest considering the best horseback riding centres in Ottawa. We’ll be taking a look at some of the top ones along with their pros and cons. 

In the next section, we’ll also discuss some of the expenses associated with horseback riding centres.

How Much Does Horseback Riding Cost in Ottawa?

There’s a good range of pricing schemes for horseback riding in Ottawa. These include riding lessons, boarding and training for horses, along with other facilities and services.

To give you an idea, we’re featuring some average rates culled from some of the riding centres we’re reviewing today. The table below reflects some of the estimated costs for riding lessons and boarding fees for horses. 

Please note that the lessons are packaged into monthly lessons for bigger groups, semi-private groups, and individual students.

HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONSESTIMATED COST
Group lessons $600 a month (8 lessons total)
$230 a month (4 lessons total)
Private lessons $90 per lesson plus taxes
$360 a month (4 lessons total) plus taxes
Semi-private lessons$320 a month (4 lessons total) plus taxes
Indoor horse boarding plus training$735 a month

Some monthly packages could offer unlimited lessons within the month while others might limit them to twice or several times a week. To avoid confusion, it’s best to verify the riding school policies first before signing up.

The Best Horseback Riding in Ottawa

Ready to go on your next equestrian adventure? Let’s review what the horseback riding centres in Ottawa can offer you and your loved ones!

At the end of this listicle are some handy FAQs about horseback riding, too.

1. Wynbrook Equestrian Centre

Wynbrook Equestrian Centre
SERVICESHorseback riding lessons, day camp, boarding, facilities
ADDRESS6222 Dunning Road Vars, Ontario K0A 3H0 
CONTACT NUMBER[email protected] 
613-371-5293
WEBSITEhttp://www.wynbrook.com/ 
OPERATING HOURSBy appointment

Wynbrooke Equestrian Centre is run by the Lalonde family whose collective love for riding encouraged them to put up the 100-acre riding farm.

Aside from offering riding lessons, the centre also accommodates day camps plus facilities and private boarding for horses. It also has a specialized training program for riders who are training to be champions via its show teams.

The riding school is open for all ages starting at five years old. Its coaches believe in a solid foundation that uses all disciplines to be developed and not just specialized ones.

The great thing about this academy is how it teaches its students everything about horseback riding, including grooming and tacking horses! While equestrian sports might be conceived as elite, it’s good to know that students at Wynbrook are taught all the non-glamorous responsibilities that go with it.

The rates for the riding school are reasonable with private lessons at $360 a month and group lessons at $230 a month. However, private lessons run for just half an hour and group lessons at just an hour per session.

Pros

  • Reasonable riding lesson rates
  • Students are taught stable chores
  • Specialized show team training offered
  • Offers day camp services

Cons

  • Private lessons run for just 30 minutes per session
  • No base pricing info for boarding
  • No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

Skilled, professional, highly dedicated coaches

“The coaches are skilled, professional and highly dedicated to providing the best possible instruction and guidance to the riders.” – Nataly & Gen DiPerna 

Learned so much being at Wynbrook

“I have learned so much being at Wynbrook and would recommend it to anyone and everyone wanting to be involved with horses! I cannot say enough about their horses too!” – Caroline 

2. Fiddler’s Green Stables

Fiddler’s Green Stables
SERVICESHunter/jumper riding lessons, training, competition and horse sales in the Ottawa/Stittsville area
ADDRESS6575 Flewellyn Road Stittsville, K2S1A9
CONTACT NUMBER613-831-2844
[email protected] 
WEBSITEhttp://www.fiddlersgreenstables.com/ 
OPERATING HOURSMonday to Friday 8 AM – 8 PM
Saturdays and Sundays 8 AM – 7 PM

Fiddler’s Green Stables is a 100-acre farm with riding stables and obstacles just outside Ottawa. One of its main services is providing an instructional program that trains students for competitive riding and the Canadian Pony Club examinations.

The lesson rates are slightly higher than average with weekday private lessons starting at $90 an hour (without taxes). A total of eight weeks are available for group lessons costing $600 a month with twice a week sessions.

For those looking to buy a horse, the centre can help them lease or purchase quality domestic or imported breeds. Its facilities include two heated stables and an indoor riding arena along with ten well-trained horses and ponies.

Those who are looking for private boarding for non-training horses should look elsewhere, though. Fiddler’s Green Stables is primarily a riding and horsemanship training centre and can only accommodate clients enrolled under its boarding and lesson packages.

Pros

  • Offers private daytime lessons
  • Can facilitate horse sales and leases
  • Heated stables and indoor arena
  • Group lessons offered

Cons

  • Costlier lesson packages
  • No private boarding services for non-training clients
  • No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

Takes excellent care of horses

“Excellent facility. Friends staff, owners, and riders. They take excellent care of horses and take great pride in their work. Perfect for beginners all the way to advanced. They even host their own trillium shows and attend a circuit shows.” – Alexandra P.

Great job with newer riders

“They do a great job with newer riders. My daughter loves it.” – John Weltz

3. Brookson Farm

Brookson Farm
SERVICESRiding academy, boarding & training services, sales,  competitive show team
ADDRESS5790 Russell Rd, Carlsbad Springs, ON K0A 1K0
CONTACT NUMBER613-800-0506
[email protected] 
WEBSITEhttp://www.brookson.ca/ 
OPERATING HOURSBy appointment

Brookson Farm is a horseback riding academy with its own show team. It trains all levels from beginner to advanced jumpers with provisions for beginner riders as young as three years old!

They offer private, semi private and group lessons maxed at 4 riders. They also have a successful competition team and compete at the bronze, silver, gold and international circuits. 

Moreover, they’ve built a state of the art indoor facility (largest in the area) that is insulated and heated in the winter, offer day camp. 

We love that they have a self booking system so clients can book lessons at their convenience and cancel/rebook on their own without a need for back and fourth or losing makeup lessons. 

Boarding facilities are in conjunction with the centre’s lessons and training programs. Indoor boarding costs $745 (excluding HST) a month and includes hay and grain feeding, blanketing and booting, and daily turnouts in small groups for horses.

The amenities and facilities at Brookson Farm are pretty impressive. Aside from manicured outdoor rings, there are heated tack stalls, a rider’s lounge, and a viewing area looking into the indoor arena.

It also offers bilingual riding lessons for French and English-speaking students. Private, semi-private, and group lessons are offered with four lessons per month.

At the moment, though, semi-private lessons for a maximum of two riders are currently available. They cost around $263 a month (including HST) and are allowed with strict social distancing observed.

Pros

  • Bilingual riding lessons
  • Reasonable fee for semi-private lessons
  • Offers lessons for very young riders
  • Well-maintained facilities

Cons

  • Fully booked sometimes
  • No promos at the moment

Customer Reviews

Instructors are really good and care about progress

“After some research and visiting this barn and another one, I chose to ride here. I am so happy I stumbled upon this gem. The instructors are really good and care about your progress. The horses are calm and helped me overcome the fears I had following several falls from over a decade ago. Finally, group lessons are more fun than I had expected and I am enjoying the shared experience and rooting for others when they make a successful jump or reach a milestone! I hope I can ride here for many years. Thanks, Brookson!” – Valeria Trendafilova

More than a riding facility

“Spotless barn and grounds. Friendly horses and staff. My daughter and I have both ridden here. I now board my horses here because Brookson provides the best care and services. I’ve been to a few other barns and this one meets all of my standards and goes beyond that. I wouldn’t trust my horses with anyone else! Brookson is more than a riding facility. It becomes a home for any rider or boarder that enters its doors.” – Chantelle Kimble

4. Partridge Acres

Partridge Acres
SERVICESHorseback riding lessons, hosts horse shows, summer camps, facility and boarding, show team
ADDRESS758 John Kennedy Way, Almonte, Ontario
CONTACT NUMBER[email protected]
 613.864.4168
WEBSITEhttp://www.partridgeacres.com/ 
OPERATING HOURSMonday to Sunday 9.30 AM – 3.30 PM

The riding academy at Partridge Acres welcomes both young and adult students. Children as young as three years old can participate in the horse and ponies class which takes pride in providing a suitable and safe experience for first-time riders.

The majority of its mounts have enjoyed illustrious careers as part of show teams in both regional and national competitions. This makes them perfectly tempered for all levels of students whether they’re beginners or in competitive training.

It offers customized boarding and facilities that feature premium packages for clients. All boarded horses become part of Partridge Acres’ professional training program with the option for clients to enroll them in tailor-made riding programs.

The centre also facilitates the sale and lease of horses with the website featuring all sold and sourced horses and ponies. But it would be more convenient and helpful to feature the price ranges of these equines along with their accomplishments and descriptions.

Pros

  • Features show-team level horses
  • Welcomes young beginner riders
  • Customizable boarding and training programs
  • Facilitates sale and lease of horses

Cons

  • No pricing info for facilities
  • No pricing info for horses on sale or lease
  • No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

Supportive and encouraging

“I love this barn. I started riding as an adult and I almost gave up until I met Veronica and the lovely folks at Partridge Acres. Veronica and Samantha are so supportive and encouraging, even when my old muscles just don’t cooperate! I now lease one of their ponies and have done some jumping and some shows. It’s great to live your childhood dreams in your 50’s. Thank you Partridge Acres!” – Carolyn Bickerton

One of the best coaches

“I ride there and let me tell you Veronica is one of the best coaches you will ever meet. I had a very tough few years riding and Veronica and my mom helped me through it I love team PA!” – Gia Forte

5. Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton

Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton
SERVICESTherapeutic riding lessons for children and adults with primarily physical, developmental and learning disabilities 
ADDRESS6362-1 Bank St. (Highway 31) Greely, Ontario K4P 1J4
CONTACT NUMBER613 821 18 44
[email protected] 
WEBSITEhttp://ottawatherapeuticriding.ca/ 
OPERATING HOURSBy appointment

For a refreshing change of pace, we’re also including a non-profit Canadian organization in this listicle. The aptly named TROtt or the Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton is all about providing horseback riding to the youth and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities as a form of therapy.

It’s been offering this program for over four decades now. It was also rewarded an accreditation status by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) and employs standardized therapeutic riding instructions.

The organization’s facilities are situated on 20 acres of pasture which is not as big as for-profit farms. Still, it boasts of 13 box stalls for its well-behaved therapy horses and a heated indoor ring aside from its manicured and well-maintained outdoor riding ring.

TROtt also offers an Equine-Assisted Learning program for frontline workers who need to unwind and ride the work-related stress away. It’s reasonably priced at $45 per session but is only available evenings every Thursday and Friday and Sunday afternoons.

Pros

  • Non-profit horseback riding therapy organization
  • Heated classroom and indoor arena
  • Offers reasonable rates for frontliners
  • Features well-behaved therapy horses

Cons

  • EAL lessons are limited to evenings and afternoons only
  • Some slots have a longer waitlist
  • No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

Makes sure the kids get the best

“They care about their horses and make sure the kids get the best. I think TROTT is an amazing place.” – Pamela Norman

The utter joy of the students

“I used to be a volunteer there back in the mid-90s and it made my spirit soar to see the development and utter joy of the students I was lucky enough to work with. A very rewarding volunteer position.” – Jennifer Jones

6. Equita Ranch

Equita Ranch
SERVICESNature Hike, VIP or Private Nature Hike, Family Hike, and Equita Program
ADDRESS838 Montée de la Source, Cantley, QC J8V 3H4 
CONTACT NUMBER[email protected]
WEBSITEhttps://equita.ca/
OPERATING HOURSBy appointment basis only

Equita Ranch offers an equestrian experience that left our team both impressed and satisfied. Our ride through their picturesque trails was nothing short of exceptional.

The services provided by Equita Ranch are top-notch.

Their well-trained horses and knowledgeable guides ensured a safe and enjoyable ride. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider, they tailor the experience to suit your skill level.

Convenience is key, and Equita Ranch knows this perfectly.

Located just a short drive from the city, it’s a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle. The booking process is straightforward, and they offer flexible scheduling to accommodate various preferences.

When it comes to reputation, Equita Ranch has garnered a stellar one. 

Word-of-mouth recommendations spoke volumes about their commitment to horse welfare and customer satisfaction. Our experience only affirmed their solid standing in the equestrian community.

Equita Ranch provides excellent value for the experience they offer.

It’s an investment in a memorable adventure, and the memories are worth every penny spent. Their pricing is competitive without compromising on quality.

Sadly, they can get busy during peak days. We suggest booking them ahead of time to avoid any inconvenience or delays.

Pros

  • Non-profit horseback riding therapy organization
  • Heated classroom and indoor arena
  • Offers reasonable rates for frontliners
  • Features well-behaved therapy horses

Cons

  • Fully booked easily
  • Busy during peak days

7. Horses of the Sun

Horses of the Sun
SERVICESRiding lessons, archery, therapeutic riding, Voltige
ADDRESS1944 Forced Rd, Vars, ON K0A 3H0, Canada
CONTACT NUMBERCell: (613) 835-9523
E-mail: [email protected]
WEBSITEhttps://horsesofthesun.weebly.com/
OPERATING HOURSMonday to Sunday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Horses of the Sun is an equestrian facility that offers a variety of activities for people of different ages. 

On this 105-acre property, you can receive classical riding lessons, therapeutic riding, archery lessons, Voltige training, and more! 

We think it’s great that you don’t have to worry about having a horse to use for their services because they provide them. In fact, they have 10 beautiful school horses in their land. 

You just have to note that the minimum riding age is 7 years old and the maximum weight for riding is 200 lbs. 

We like that they’ve also placed the rates and description of their services on their website, so you’ll know what you’re in for. 

We’ve checked what people are saying about them on Google Reviews as well and we’ve only seen positive feedback! This is why we’ve included Horses of the Sun as one of the best horseback riding centres in the area.

Pros

  • Offers classical and therapeutic riding lessons, as well as Voltige training and archery lessons
  • 105-acre property
  • Rates available on website
  • Most of the rides are available on weekends

Cons

  • Summer camps for kids are only from Monday to Friday

Customer Reviews

“I joint Uwe and Sonia this spring and has been an extraordinary experience. I’m taking horseback archery and it has been an exceptional adventure in each step, they are very professional, skillful and experienced, both share their knowledge and passion about horses, archery and history, personally I used to be Olympic Archer and when I discovered this, my perspective changed completely, I felt in deeper love with archery than I already used to be. Will update soon with more cool photos this review. Strongly recommended” — Leo Grabau

FAQs About Horseback Riding in Ottawa


The best horseback riding in Ottawa will teach you the basics as well as the discipline required to maintain a well-behaved and healthy horse.

If there’s a good horseback riding centre you’d like to recommend, we’re all ears! Just send us a message and we can review it.

But if it’s your beloved pooch that needs boarding and training, consider our listicle on the best dog daycare centres in Ottawa instead!